Coronavirus News & Updates

The Port of Portland is in active partnership with public health partners to respond to the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of employees and community members who use Port facilities is our top priority. Below are operational updates and information about how the Port is working to keep our community safe.

Marine Facilities

Terminal 6 Marine Shipping

The Port's marine terminals and the Portland International Airport (PDX) remain open and operational. For updates on PDX, head to www.flypdx.com/travelsafe.

Operational Updates

  • Our Marine terminals have remained open under Governor Kate Brown's "Stay Home, Save Lives" order, as it remains critical to move goods in and out of the region.
  • While much of our Marine business continues to operate at close to normal levels, we have experienced declines tied primarily to disruptions in the auto industry.
  • Our bulk marine facilities—which handle grains, potash and soda ash—are mostly experiencing normal export numbers.
  • SM Line continues to call weekly at Terminal 6. As of May 1, MSC containers are now coming to Terminal 6 through a vessel sharing agreement with SM Line. 

Health & Safety Measures:

  • We enhanced cleaning efforts at our Port marine facilities, and terminal workers are practicing physical distancing to keep themselves safe.
  • We are working in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, which requires vessels to report the health status of their crew 96 hours before arriving at a Port. So far, we have not had any reported issues, but we remain in close contact with the Coast Guard.

Port Operations

To help control the spread of coronavirus and do our part to keep the community safe, the Port has asked all staff who can do our work remotely to do so. The Port (and airport) remains open and operational. We are following guidance from the CDC and Multnomah County Public Health on face coverings. All Port staff who have to perform their work at Port job sites must wear face coverings to protect those around them.

Financial Updates:

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the travel and airline industry. It has also disrupted supply chains and international trade. In addition to the funding available for airports as part of the CARES Act, the Port is proactively implementing a number of temporary measures intended to safeguard our financial stability and allow us to continue operating critical infrastructure for the region.

  • We instituted a hiring freeze and furlough program to reduce expenses; administrative employees will take 15 unpaid days off through June 2021.
  • The Port is significantly limiting overtime and eliminating non-critical business travel and trainings.
  • We are restricting discretionary contracts and evaluating capital and maintenance spending to identify projects that are prudent to delay.

We will continue to assess and implement opportunities to reduce costs and adjust operations to keep our airport and marine facilities safe and efficient.  

Public Health Resources

Information about COVID-19 is updated frequently. Please check the following federal and local resources for the most up-to-date information: